Rotana expand reach in Iraq with new Rayhaan hotel

Karbala Rayhaan by Rotana is the group's second hotel in the country

Rotana has further extended its portfolio of properties in the Middle East with its launch of the Karbala Rayhaan by Rotana, the group’s second hotel in Iraq.

With its new hotel, Rotana is looking to capitalise on the emerging market in Karbala, which is currently one of Iraq’s largest tourist cities, drawing in more than 12 million visitors annually.

Rotana executive vice president and COO Omer Kaddouri explains: “In 2012 Iraq posted a GDP growth rate of approximate 10.2%, making it one of the most promising emerging markets in the region and one that is attracting a great deal of investment. The market holds immense potential for Rotana.”

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The Karbala project is part of Rotana’s expansion into Iraq with another property set to open its doors in the capital, Baghdad, sometime in 2014.

The 185 room and suite Karbala Rayhaan by Rotana, the city’s first 5-star hotel, features three food and beverage outlets including ‘Al Nakheel’, their rooftop restaurant.

The hotel also features a full equipped meeting room for business travellers as well as a wellness centre with a full spa menu.

The hotel is Rotana’s fifth Rayhaan property, with other establishments in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, bringing Rayhaan by Rotana’s total regional room count to more than 2,000.

Written by Amanda Elisha

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